Matt Boldy scored the overtime winning goal in Game 4, tying the playoff series at two games apiece for the Minnesota Wild against Dallas, according to an April 27 announcement. The goal came after Boldy tipped a shot from Jared Spurgeon past goaltender Jake Oettinger, following a battle in the corner and assists from Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek.
Boldy’s performance is significant as it demonstrates his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. His teammates and coaches highlighted his growth as a player and his importance to the team during crucial situations.
“No, I was probably going back-in, toe-drag, through the legs in the driveway,” Boldy said about whether he had dreamed of such a moment. “But there’s no pictures on the scoresheet, so I was happy to see it go in. It was a great forecheck by Ekky (Joel Eriksson Ek) and Kirill, and a great shot by Jared (Spurgeon), and I was just lucky enough to have it hit my stick and go in.”
Wild coach John Hynes credited Boldy’s personality for thriving under pressure: “He can play when the heat gets turned up,” Hynes said. “I think that’s what makes him special.” He added that Boldy has shown an ‘it factor’ throughout this season: “He is a guy that has the ‘it factor.’ I’ve seen him time and time again continue to play and come through in clutch situations.”
Boldy’s achievements this season include career-highs with 42 goals—11 on power plays—and 85 points during his fourth full NHL season. He also scored four short-handed goals during regular play, which tied for second-best league-wide. This performance made him second only to Kaprizov on team scoring.
Marcus Foligno described Boldy as “a beast” who has become “a bigtime player” from early contributions with Team USA at international competitions—including scoring six minutes into this year’s Olympic gold medal game—to becoming an overtime hero for Minnesota.
Reflecting on playing before home fans after scoring: “It’s pretty cool to kind of look around and take it in a bit,” Boldy said. “The fans have been into it, passionate…that was probably the loudest I’ve ever heard it.”
Jared Spurgeon commented on their chemistry: “It was Bolds and Ekky, two big bodies that usually get a stick on it…obviously Bolds made a great play.” Quinn Hughes added about Boldy’s drive: “He’s ultra competitive; he wants to win.”
Boldy’s progression includes increasing playoff production each year since debuting in 2022—now entering Game 5 with three goals, two assists, and plus-6 rating this series.
Hynes concluded: “He’s a tenacious competitor…Plays through whatever circumstances are and got a huge goal for us.”
